Dell Latitude 7490 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480S 14"

The Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s are 14-inch business-oriented laptops, both released in 2018. While sharing a similar target audience and release timeframe, they present distinct approaches to design, portability, and user experience. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, offering a familiar environment for productivity and professional tasks.

Both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s were released in 2018, placing them in a similar generation for software support and expected lifespan. As business-grade machines, they were built with durability in mind, often exceeding the build quality of consumer-grade laptops.

• Software Support: Both models are compatible with Windows 10 and can run Windows 11, though performance on the latter may vary depending on specific configurations. Users can expect continued security updates for Windows 10 for a period, but the newer Windows 11 may have a more limited official support window for these older processors.
• Repairability: Business laptops like these generally offer good repairability, with components like RAM and storage often being accessible for upgrades or replacement. The Latitude 7490 is noted for its straightforward maintenance. The ThinkPad T480s also allows for RAM and storage upgrades, contributing to its practical lifespan.
• Practical Lifespan: Given their robust construction and the availability of replacement parts, both laptops can offer several more years of productive use, especially for tasks that do not demand the latest processing power. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can further extend their useful life in an eco-friendly manner.

Both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s are equipped with processors from the same generation, offering solid performance for typical business and productivity applications. Their capabilities for handling demanding tasks and multitasking are generally comparable, though specific configurations can lead to variations.

• Processing Power: Both laptops typically feature 8th generation Intel Core processors, which provide efficient performance for everyday computing, web browsing, document editing, and light content creation. Users can expect smooth operation for most common applications and efficient multitasking.
• Battery Behavior: The Dell Latitude 7490 generally offers good battery life, with some configurations providing around 7 to 8 hours of use with moderate activity, and some reports indicating up to 15 hours with specific low-power panels and optimized settings. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480s, with its 57Wh internal battery, can achieve around 11 to 15 hours of battery life, depending on the display and usage. The T480s also features rapid charging, reaching 80% capacity in about an hour.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both models commonly come with fast SSD storage, contributing to quick boot times and responsive application loading. The amount of RAM can vary, with both supporting configurations suitable for effective multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.

The display quality on both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s is designed for productivity, with various panel options available that influence the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops typically offer 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS displays, providing clear visuals and good viewing angles. The ThinkPad T480s also has an optional WQHD (2560x1440) IPS panel, which offers greater detail and sharpness.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 7490's display can reach around 277-305 nits of brightness, which is suitable for indoor office use, though some users note it could be brighter for outdoor conditions. The ThinkPad T480s's standard Full HD display is often described as dim, around 269 nits, and less vivid. However, its optional WQHD screen can be brighter, averaging around 342 nits, making it a good option for everyday use.
• Viewing Experience: Both models generally feature matte, anti-glare screens, which help reduce reflections and eye strain during extended use. The Latitude 7490's display is noted for good contrast and color gamut for a business laptop. The WQHD option on the T480s provides a more comfortable viewing experience due to its higher resolution.

For audio and visual communication, both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s offer standard features suitable for business use, with some differences in privacy and speaker quality.

• Camera System: Both laptops typically include a 720p webcam, which is standard for video conferencing and online meetings. The ThinkPad T480s distinguishes itself with the inclusion of a ThinkShutter, a physical cover for the webcam, addressing privacy concerns. Some configurations of the T480s also offer an optional infrared (IR) camera for Windows Hello facial recognition.
• Microphone Quality: Both devices are equipped with dual-array microphones, designed to capture clear audio for calls and recordings.
• Speaker Output: The Latitude 7490 features 2x2W stereo speakers. The ThinkPad T480s also has 2x1W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, though some user reviews indicate that the sound quality might not be a strong point.